During which era did the Industrial Revolution begin?

The Industrial Revolution began during the late 18th century and early 19th century, marking a significant turning point in history. This period was characterized by a shift from agrarian economies to industrialized ones, especially in Britain, where innovations in machinery, steam power, and manufacturing processes revolutionized production. The introduction of factory-based manufacturing systems led to an increase in production efficiency and a shift in labor from rural agricultural work to urban industrial work.

During this time, technological advancements such as the spinning jenny, the steam engine, and the power loom played crucial roles in transforming industries like textiles and iron production. Furthermore, this era set the stage for significant social and economic changes, including urbanization, the rise of a factory-based workforce, and new class dynamics.

The other time frames provided do not align with the well-documented historical timeline of the Industrial Revolution. The late 16th and early 17th centuries predate this transformative period, while the early 20th century and mid-19th century reflect later developments, including the Second Industrial Revolution and ongoing industrial changes that were built upon the foundations laid during the earlier period.